Side-dumping front end loader



Sept. 24, 1968 SALNA ET AL 3,402,841

SIDE-DUMPING FRONT END LOADER Filed Sept. 13, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS KARL SALNA HERBERT AMARK STANLEY URMAN BY M42. 5M ATT-Y Sept. 24, 1968 K. SALNA ET AL 3,402,841

SIDE-DUMPING FRONT END LOADER Filed Sept. 13, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS KARL SALNA HERBERT AMARK STANLEY URMAN BY W z 5%. ATT-Y Sept. 24, 1968 ALNA ETAL 3,402,841

SIDE-DUMPING FRONT END LOADER Filed Sept. 13, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS KARL SA LNA HERBERT AMARK STANLEY URMAN BY Z. 3M4. ATTY Sept. 24, 1968 SALNA ET AL 3,402,841

SIDE-DUMPING FRONT END LOADER Filed Sept. 13, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 z 1 e1: /96 am 3 2,20 M0 1" 2% l4 7 I 11g.

E a 9:. i1!" W INVE NTORS KARL SALNA HERBERTAMARK STANLEY URMAN B w 5., 5M AT Sept. 24, 1968 K. SALNA ET AL 3,402,841

SIDE-DUMPING FRONT END LOADER Filed Sept. 13, 1965 (5, Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS KARL SALNA HERBERT AMARK STANLEY URMAN BY Z. ATTY ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A bucket attachment for a tractor loader vehicle with a pair of pivot assemblies on the bucket adapted to be selectively locked to a bucket carrier for side dumping and digging operations, and with a control system providing interlock features and bucket dumping and return speed control.

Summary of the invention This invention relates to construction equipment and more particularly relates to a front-loading, side-dumping attachment for use with a construction vehicle.

It is an object of this invention to provide a side dumping bucket attachment for a construction vehicle which employs a single extensible hydraulic motor mounted to achieve either dumping about one side upon extension of the motor or dumping about the opposite side upon retraction of the motor.

Another object is to provide 'a side-dumping bucket which is releasably attached on either side of the bucket carrier of a vehicle by means of pivot assemblies whereby dumping to either side is achieved by releasing one assembly from the carrier while locking the remaining assembly with the carrier.

Another object is to provide a pivot assembly for mounting 'a side-dumping bucket on the bucket carrier of a vehicle wherein the assembly includes a roller ele ment pivotally mounted within a bearing member which in turn releasably engages a saddle member on the carrier to define a substantially longitudinally extending pivot axis.

Another important object is to provide a side-dumping bucket attachment for a construction vehicle in which pivot assemblies releasably mount either side of a bucket to a carrier and in which a single locking member is movable between a first position locking both assemblies to the carrier and at least one operating position releasing one assembly while locking the other assembly.

Another significant object is to provide a hydraulic control circuit for a construction vehicle incorporating a bucket mounted for side-dumping about a carrier and a locking member movable to positions locking or releasing the bucket with the carrier in which the control circuit includes a sensing element to preclude operation of the locking member when the bucket is in a sidedumping position.

Still another object is to provide a hydraulic control circuit for a side-dumping bucket mounted on a carrier in which a member is movable between a position locking the bucket with the carrier and a position releasing the bucket for side-dumping wherein the control circuit responds to the released position of the member to actuate means for dumping the bucket. I

Another object is to provide a hydraulic control system for a side-dumping bucket mounted on a movable carrier of a vehicle in which a member is movable between a position locking the bucket with the carrier" 'and a position releasing the bucket for side-dumping whereby operation of the means for dumping the bucket is terminated upon movement of the member to the locking position.

nited States Patent 3,402,841 Patented Sept. 24, 1968 Still another object is to provide a multiple speed hydraulic circuit for controlling the hydraulic motor used in dumping a bucket to the side of a bucket carrier in which a valve is operable to one position limiting fluid flow to the motor responsive to the bucket being cradled with the carrier and to another position permitting full fluid flow to the motor responsive to the bucket being in a side-dumping position.

Another object is to provide a hydraulic circuit for controlling the operation of a side-dumping bucket attachment which will effect an initial slow speed side dumping of the bucket through a predetermined angular movement of the bucket with respect to a bucket carrier, followed by a full speed dumping to the side, subsequent full speed return of the bucket to the predetermined angle, and then slow speed return until the bucket reaches its cradled position on the carrier.

Description of the drawings The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following specification is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a construction vehicle embodying a front-loading, side-dumping bucket attachment incorporating features of the present inven t10n;

FIGURE 2 is a rear elevation view showing the attachment of the present invention with the bucket cardled on the carrier and with a schematic diagram of the hydraulic control circuit for the bucket actuating motor;

FIGURE 3 is a rear elevation view similar to FIGURE 2 showing the bucket pivoted relative to the carrier for right side-dumping;

FIGURE 4 is a rear elevation view similar to FIG- URE 2 showing the bucket pivoted for left side-dumping;

FIGURE 5 is a greatly enlarged view, partially in cross section, of the pivot assembly for mounting the bucket to the carrier of the persent invention;

FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view, taken along the line 66 of FIGURE 5, showing details of the pivot assembly;

FIGURE 7 is a rear elevation view showing the locking member in the center position and with a schematic diagram of the hydraulic circuit controlling the actuating motor for the locking member;

FIGURE 8 is a rear elevation view similar to FIG- URE 7 showing the position of the locking member for right side-dumping;

FIGURE 9 is a rear elevation view similar to FIG- URE 7 showing the position of the locking member for left side-dumpng;-

FIGURE 10 is a rear elevation view, partially in cross section, of a bucket attachment incorporating features of the present invention and showing a schematic diagram of the hydraulic control circuit;

FIGURE 11 is a rear elevation View, similar to FIG- URE l0 and partially in cross section, showing a schematic diagram of a modified hydraulic control circuit for the present invention.

Description of the preferred embodiments Referring now to the drawings and particularly FIG- URE 1 a tractor loader construction vehicle is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. A pair of boom arms 12 are transversely spaced-apart and pivotally attached to the front end of the vehicle 10 for swinging movement in vertical planes. A pair of extensible hydraulic rams 14 are each pivotally attached at one end to the vehicle 10 and at their other end to the boom arms 12. Selective extension and retraction of the rams 14 under influence of a conventional hydraulic control system (not'shown) will respectively raise and lower the boom arms 12 relative to the vehicle 10. A frontloading, side-dumping bucket attachment 16 is mounted on the free ends of the boom arms 12 for pivotal movement about a transverse axis. The bucket attachment 16 comprises a digging bucket 18 mounted on a bucket carrier 20 in a manner to be presently described.

As shown in FIGURE 2, the bucket carrier 20 is pivotally' mounted to the boom arms 12 by means of pivot pins 22 which are aligned along a transverse axis.

Angular adjustment of the bucket attachment 16 about the pins 22 is controlled through operation of a rocker 'arm assembly 24, indicated generally in FIGURE 1. The rocker arm assembly 24 comprises a transversely extending pin 26 pivotally connected between the pair of boom arms 12. A pair of levers 28 and 30 are rigidly attached to the pin member 26 and extend in opposite ra-dial directions therefrom. An extensible hydraulic ram 32 is pivotally connected at one end to the vehicle and at its other end to the free end of lever 28. A connecting link 34 is pivotally connected at one end to the free end of lever 30 and at its other end to the bucket carrier 20. Selective extension and retraction of ram 32 under influence of an hydraulic control system (not shown) will pivot backward and forward, respectively, the bucket attachment 16 relative to the boom arms 12.

In the solid line illustration in FIGURE 1 the bucket attachment 16 is in the proper attitude for a digging operation. With the boom arms 12 in the raised position as indicated by the broken line illustration at 36, the bucket 18 will be in the carry position indicated at 38. While the boom arms are in the raised position retraction of ram 32 will elfect a forward-dumping operation and the bucket will be in the position indicated at 40. The position of the bucket for a side-dumping operation is indicated at 42.

Turning now to FIGURE 2 the bucket attachment 16 is shown with the bucket 18 cradled on the bucket carrier 20. The bucket 18 is broadly conventional and opens upwardly to receive material to be loaded. A releasable pivotal connection between the bucket 18 and carrier is afforded by pivot assembly 44 on the right side and pivot assembly 46 on the left side. A pair of brackets 48 are rigidly secured to the underside of the bucket 18 at spaced-apart positions and depend downwardly therefrom to support the pivot assembly 44. Similarly, a pair of brackets 50 are rigidly secured to the left side of the bucket 18 at spaced-apart positions and depend downwardly therefrom to support the pivot assembly 46. As will presently be described each of the pivot assembiles 44 and 46 provide a pivotal support for dumping of the bucket 18 to a selected side of the vehicle.

To achieve a side-dumping operation an extensible hydraulic motor of ram 52 is provided. The ram 52 is pivotally connected at its head end to a bracket 54 which in turn is rigidly secured to the left side of the bucket carrier 20. A conventional piston 56 and rod 58 are slidably mounted in the ram 52. The free end of the rod 58 is pivotally connected to a bracket 60 secured to the right side of the bucket 18. With the bucket cradled on the carrier the piston 56 will be centered along the longitudinal axis of ram 52.

Selective extension and retraction of hydraulic ram 52 is effected through operation of hydraulic control valve 62. The control valve 62 may be an open-center spool valve type and its construction and operation will be well known to those skilled in the art. Suffice it to say that manipulation of control handle 64 will operate valve 62 to direct hydraulic fluid received from pump 66 into a selected one of the conduits 68 and 70. The pump 66 withdraws fluid from reservoir 72 while return fluid is directed from valve 62 into reservoir 72 through conduit 74. Conduit 70 is in fluid communication with the head end of ram 52 while conduit 68 is in fluid communication with the rod end of ram 52. When valve 62 directs fiuid under pressure into conduit 70 and the head end of ram 52, the rod 58 will extend outwardly, While fluid in the rod end of ram 52 will return through conduit 68. Similarly, when valve 62 directs fluid into conduit 68 and the rod end of ram 52 the rod 58 will retract, and return fluid will flow through conduit 70.

FIGURE 3 illustrates the position of bucket 18 during a right side-dumping operation. In this situation the left pivot assembly 46 is released from carrier 20 while the right pivot assembly 44 is locked thereto in a manner to be presently described. As the ram 52 extends, the bucket 18 will pivot clockwise about the lateral axis defined by the right pivot assembly 44. The bucket is then returned to its cradled position on the carrier 20 by retracting ram 52 until piston 56 reaches its center position.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the position of the bucket 18 during a left side-dumping operation. In this situation the right pivot assembly 44 is released from the carrier 20 while the left pivot assembly 46 is locked thereto. As the ram 52 is retracted further from its center position the bucket 18 will pivot counterclockwise about the lateral axis defined by the left pivot assembly 46. To return the bucket to its cradled position on the carrier the ram 52 is extended until the piston 56 again reaches its center position.

FIGURES 5 and 6 show details of the right pivot assembly 44. It is understood that the construction of the left pivot assembly 46 is similar to that of assembly 44. As shown in FIGURE 5 the pivot assembly 44 is supported by the pair of spaced-apart brackets 48 which are rigidly secured to and depend downwardly from the bucket 18. An aperture 76 is provided in the lowermost end of each bracket 48. A cylindrical roller member 78 is aligned through the apertures 76 and is secured to the brackets 48. A pair of reinforcing plates 80 are provided whereby each plate overlies a respective end of roller member 78 and is secured to the outer surface of a respective bracket member 48. A tubular housing 82 is concentric with the roller member 78 and is positioned intermediate the brackets 48. A pair of bearing inserts 84 are secured to the inner surface of housing 82 and. provided a pivotal bearing surface in contact with the roller member 78. During a right sidedumping operation the roller 78 will pivot clockwise, as viewed in FIGURE 6, with respect to housing 82 and carrier 20.

The bucket carrier 20 is essentially U-shaped and consists of a pair of spaced-apart side members 86 which in turn are rigidly secured to a bottom member 88. A guide plate 90 is rigidly secured to the inner surface of each side member 86 and has an arcuate portion 92 at its upper extremity. The guide plates 90 provide a guideway to position the pivot assembly 44 in correct alignment on bucket carrier 20. The inner surface of each of the plates 92 provides a sliding contact with a respective reinforcing plate 80 as the pivot assembly 44 is moved into and out of relationship with the carrier 20.

A reinforcing plate 94 is provided on the upper surface of bottom member 88. A pair of spaced-apart saddle members 96 are rigidly secured to the reinforcing plate 94. As shown in FIGURE 6 each of the saddle members has a concave portion 98 which interfits with the outer surface of the housing 82 and thus provides support for the pivot assembly 44. The housing 82 moves into and out of contact with the saddle members 96 as the pivot assembly 44 moves to and from the carrier 20.

The pivot assembly 44 is locked with and released from the bucket carrier 20 through interfitting operation of the male locking member 100 with the female locking assembly 102. As will presently be described the male locking member 100 is slidably carried on the bucket carrier 20 for a transverse reciprocating movement. The female locking assembly 102 is supported by the pivot assembly 44 by means of a pair of spaced-apart frame members 104 which are rigidly secured to the housing 82. A support plate 106 is rigidly secured between the frame members 104. The housing 108 of the locking assembly 102 is rigidly .secured between the uppermost ends of the frame members 104. An aperture 110 is provided in the housing 108 concentric with the axis of malelocking member 100. Asleeve member 112 is inserted in the aperture 110 and is rigidly secured to the housing 108 by means of lock ring 114. The locking member 100 moves into sliding contact with the inner surface of sleeve member 112. When the locking member 100 is moved within the sleeve member 112 translatory movement of the pivot assembly 44 with respect to the carrier 20 is prevented.

A stop member 116 is rigidly secured to the uppermost side of housing 108. The stop member 116 abuts against a brace element 118 rigidly secured between the brackets 48. A pair of ear portions 120 project upwardly from the upper extremity of the frame members 104. A pair of tension springs 122 are mounted between apertures 124 provided in each ear portion 120 and apertures 126 provided in each bracket 48. The springs 122 urge the pivot assembly 44 clockwise around the roller member 78 until the stop member 116 contacts the brace element 118. This functions to position the locking assembly 102 in alignment with the locking member 100 when the pivot assembly 44 is moved within the carrier 20. During a left side-dumping operation the springs 122 will retain the pivot assembly 44 in the position shown in FIGURE 6 during its movement away from the carrier.

FIGURES 7-9 illustrate details of the locking member 100 mounted on the carrier 20 along with the related hydraulic control circuit. A pair of transversely spacedapart lock support members 128 are rigidly secured to and extend upwardly from the carrier 20. A pair of aligned guide apertures 130 are provided in the upper margins of the support members 28 in alignment with the corresponding apertures of the right locking assembly 102 and left locking assembly 132.

The locking member 100 is slidably mounted within the guide apertures 130 and is of sufficient length so that a respective end thereof extends through a corresponding locking assembly 102 and 132 when the locking member is in the center position as shown in FIGURE 7. In this position the member 100 functions to lock both pivot assemblies 44 and 46 against translatory motion with respect to carrier 20. The attachment 16 may now be used for operations such as front-loading, carrying, and frontdumping.

Transverse reciprocating motion of the locking member 100 is effected through operation of hydraulic control valve 134. The control valve 134 may be an open-center spool valve type and its construction and operation will be well known to those skilled in the art. Suffice it to say that upon manipulation of the control handle 136 the valve 134 will direct hydraulic fluid under pressure from pump 138 into a selected one of the conduits 140 and 142. The pump 138 withdraws fluid from reservoir 144 while the valve 134 returns fluid to the reservoir through conduit 146.

A lock actuating ram 148 is pivotally connected at its head end to a bracket 150 rigidly secured to the bucket carrier 20. Piston 152 and rod 154 are slidably carried within the cylinder of the ram 148. The free end of the rod 154 is connected to a bracket 156 which in turn is connected to the locking member 100. With the locking member in the center position as shown in FIGURE 7 the piston 152 will be midway through its stroke in the ram 148. v

The conduit 140 is in fluid communication with the head end of ram 148 while the conduit 142 is in fluid communication with the rod end of ram 148. Fluid under pressure in conduit 140 will extend ram 148 while return fluid will flow through conduit 142. Fluid under pressure in conduit 142 will retract ram 148 and return fluid will flow through conduit 140.

For a right side-dumping operation the locking member 100 is moved to the right-lock position in which the left pivot assembly 46 is released from carrier 20 while right pivot assembly 44 remains in the locked position. To accomplish this, valve 134 is manipulated to extend ram 148 in the manner described above. Locking member will now be moved to the position illustrated in FIG- URE 8. The left end of member 100 will move out of interlocking contact with left lockingassembly 132 while the right end of member 100 will extend further through the right locking assembly 102. The bucket attachment 16 may now be operated in the manner described in connection with FIGURE 3 for a right side-dumping operation.

For a left side-dumping operation locking member 100 is moved to the left-lock position in which the right pivot assembly 44 is released from its locking contact with carrier 20 while left pivot assembly '46 remains in the locked position. To accomplish this, valve 134 is manipulated to retract ram 148 in the manner described above. Locking member 100 will move into the position illustrated in FIGURE 9. The right end of member 100 will move out of its interlocking contact with locking assembly 102 While the left end of member 100 will extend further through the locking assembly 132. The bucket attachment 16 may now be operated for left side-dumping in the manner described in connection with FIG- URE 4.

FIGURE 10 illustrates details of the hydraulic control system for operating the bucket attachment 16. The control system is exceptional in providing safety features such that operation of the lock actuating ram 148 is precluded when the bucket is not in its cradled position on the carrier. This assures that the locking member 100 will not move out of either of its rightor left-lock positions as shown in FIGURES 8 and 9 when the bucket is in a sidedu'mping position. Thus the bucket 18 will not accidentally drop from the carrier upon an incorrect manipulation of the control valve. The hydraulic control system also will provide a safety interlock feature such that hydraulic fluid can only be directed to the dumping ram 52 when the locking member 100 is in either of the rightor left-lock positions. This assures that operation of ram 52 will nnot occur when the locking member 100 is in the center position, which would otherwise place an undue stress on the dumping ram and fluid conduits.

Other novel features of the hydraulic control system include an air-actuated detent release mechanism which will allow the spool of the hydraulic control valve to return to the neutral position after the locking member 100 has returned to its center position. This will discontinue operation of the lock actuating ram 148 after the bucket has returned to its cradled position from a side dump operation. This functions to automatically center the locking member and prevent its movement to the extreme opposite side.

As shown in FIGURE 10 a convention open-center spool valve type control valve 158 may be provided. Hydraulic pump 160 receives fluid from reservoir 162 through conduit 164 and delivers fluid under pressure through conduit 166 into valve 158. Return fluid from valve 158 is delivered to reservoir 162 through conduit 168. Manipulation of control handle 170 will move spool 172 to a right or left position thereby directing fluid into a selected one of the conduits 174 and 176. Conduit 174 is connected through flexible hose 178 to conduit 180 which in turn is in connection with branch conduits 182 and 184. Conduit 176 is connected through flexible hose 186 to conduit 188 which in turn is in connection with branch conduits 190 and 192.

Safety control valve 194 is in series connection with branch conduit 182, conduit 195 and the rod end of lock actuating ram 148. The head end of ram 148 is connected with branch conduit 192. The control valve 194 comprises a spool 196 slidable between a first position blocking fluid communication between conduit 182 and conduit 195 and a second position permitting fluid flow between said conduits. A spring 198 normally urges the spool 196 to the first position. When the bucket is in the cradled position, its bottom side will contact the protruding end 200 of the spool, thereby moving it into the second position as shown in FIGURE 10 to permit operation of ram 148.

A safety interlock valve 202 is provided to permit operation of ram 52 only when the locking member 100 is in either of the rightor left-lock positions. The valve 202 comprises a spool 204 slidable within first housing 206 and second housing 208. The first housing 206 is in series connection with branch conduit 190, conduit 210, andthe'head end of ram 52. Similarly, second housing 208 is in series connection with branch conduit 184, conduit 212, and the rod end of ram 52. i

The spool 204 is slidable between a first position permitting fluid flow from conduit 190 into conduit 210, and from conduit 184 into conduit 212, and is slidable to the second position shown in FIGURE 10 in which fluid flow into conduits 210 and 212 is prevented. Spring 214 normally urges spool 204 to the second position. A pair of spaced-apart camming surfaces 216 and 218 are secured to locking member 100. A cam follower 220 is mounted on the end of spool 204 which protrudes through housing 208. When the locking member 100 is moved to the leftlock position, cam surface 218 will engage cam follower 220 and move spool 204 into the first position to permit operation of ram 52. Similarly, with locking member 100 in the right-lock position, cam surface 216 will engage cam follower 220 and also move spool 204 into the first position. In any position of locking member 100 other than the rightor left-lock positions, spool 204 will be in the second position to prevent operation of ram 52.

This invention also contemplates an automatic control device incorporating detent mechanism 222 operating in conjunction with valve 158 to terminate operation of actuating ram 148 when the locking member 100 returns to the center position from either the rightor left-lock positions. The detent mechaninsm 22 is broadly conventional and the construction and operation will be well known to those skilled in the art. The detent mechanism 222 comprises a housing 224 enclosing the protruding end portion 226 of spool 172. A detent plunger 228 is slidable within the housing 224 and carries a detent spring 230 which releasably engages either one of a pair of grooves 232 formed within the end portion 226. The piston shaped end of plunger 228 is slidable within a chamber 234 provided in the housing 224. Air under pressure is supplied to chamber 234 through air hose 236, normally closed solenoid valve 238, and air hose 240.

The operation of the detent mechanism 222 is as follows. Upon movement of the control handle 170 from the neutral position to either of the right or left positions the spool 172 will move respectively into a left or right operating position. Either of the grooves 232 will now engage the detent spring 230, thus holding spool 172 in the operating position. The operator may override the detent mechanism by manipulating the handle 170 back to the neutral position. Air under pressure in chamber 234 will also release the detent mechanism by moving the plunger 228 which in turn will urge the spring 230 out of the groove 232. The spool 172 wil now be returned to the neutral position through operation of spring 242, thereby discontinuing flow through the conduits 174 and 176.

The solenoid valve 238 may be operated manually; movement of locking member 100 to the center position will also operate valve 238. A source of electric power, such as battery 244, is connected through on-olf switch 246, conductor 248, solenoid coil 250, conductor 252, and then through the branch conductors 254 and 256. The branch conductor 256 in turn is connected to a hand operated normally opened micro-switch 258 mounted on control handle 170. Manual operation of switch 258 completes an electrical circuit to ground to energize coil 250, thereby opening solenoid 238 and releasing detent mechanism 222.

Branch conductor 254 is connected with a normally opened limit switch 260. A carnming surface 262 is mounted on locking member so that limit switch 260 is closed when the locking member is in the center position as illustrated in FIGURE 10. The closing of switch 260 completes an electric circuit to ground through conductor 264, thus energizing coil 250 and opening valve 238. This will release detent mechanism 222 in the manner described above.

In operation, assuming that the bucket 18 is'initially cradled against the carrier 20 and that a right side-dumping operation is desired, the operator will manipulate control valve 158 to direct hydraulic fluid under pressure into conduit 176, hose 186, and conduit 188. Because interlock valve 202 is in its closed position, fluid will be diverted into branch conduit 192 and the head end of actuating ram 148, which will move locking member 100 to the right-lock position. Return fluid will flow through conduit 195 and safety control valve 194, which remains open due to its contact with bucket 18, and thence through conduits 182, 180, 178, 174 and into valve 158 for return to the reservoir 162.

As the locking member 100 reaches its extreme right position, cam 216 will actuate interlock valve 202 into the open position. Fluid in conduit 188 will now be permitted to flow into branch conduit 190, valve 202, conduit 210, and the head end of ram 52. Piston 56 and rod 58 will extend to rotate bucket 18 about pivot assembly 44. With the left end of locking member 100 moved out of interlocking relationship with locking assembly 132, the left pivot assembly 46 will thus be free to pivot away from carrier 20.

After the bucket begins its pivoting action, safety valve 194 will return to its first or normally closed position, thus preventing flow through conduit 195 and forming a hydraulic lock in actuating ram 148. The locking member 100 will therefore remain in the right-lock position during the entire side-dumping operation.

After the material is unloaded from bucket 18 the operator will manipulate control valve 158 to direct fluid under pressure into conduit 174. At the same time detent mechanism 222 will operate to hold spool 172 in the operating position. The operator will thus be free to manipulate other controls on the vehicle. Fluid from conduit 174 will flow into hose 178, conduits and 184, the open interlock valve 202, conduit 212 and the rod end of ram 52 for retraction of piston 56 and rod 58. The bucket 18 will now rotate about pivot assembly 44 toward its cradled position on the carrier 20. When the bucket reaches the cradled position in which the pivot assembly 46 is in contact with the carrier 20, valve 194 will move to the open position thus allowing fluid flow from conduit 180 into conduits 182, 195 and actuating ram 148. Ram 148 will move locking member 100 to the left toward its center position.

When the locking member 100 reaches its center position, it is desirable that it remain in such position to lock both pivot assemblies 44 and 46 with the carrier until further manipulation of control valve 158. To provide this function, cam 262 closes limit switch 260 when locking member 100 reaches its center position. This in turn energizes valve 138 for releasing detent mechanism 222, thus permitting spool 172 to return to its neutral position in which no'fluid is delivered to the rams. Simultaneous with movement of locking member 100 from the right-lock position cam 216 will disengage from cam follower 220 thus allowing interlock valve 202 to return to its closed position to prevent operation of ram 52.

The operation of the bucket attachment 16 for a leftdump operation is similar to that described above. Briefly, control valve 158 is manipulated to direct hydraulic fluid into conduit 174 through safety valve 194 and into actuating ram 148 to move locking member 100 to the left lock position. Interlock valve 202 will now be cammed open so that fluid will flow into the rod end of ram 52 for retraction thereof and counterclockwise pivoting of bucket 18 about pivot assembly 46. Safety valve 194 will now close and form a hydraulic lock in actuating ram 148 to prevent movement of locking member 100 from the left-lock position.

To return bucket 18 to its cradled position from the left-dump position the operator manipulates control valve 158 to direct fluid into conduit 176, through interlock valve 202, and into ram 52 for extension thereof. When the bucket 18 reaches its cradled position valve 194 will open thus allowing fluid to flow into the head end of actuating ram 148 for movement of locking member 100 to its center position. Upon reaching its center position the locking member will close limit switch 260 thereby operating detent mechanism 222 in the manner described above to allow spool 172 to return to its neutral position and terminate operation of the rams.

As the bucket is returning from either the left or right side-dump position the hand-operated microswitch 258 may also be operated to position bucket 18 in any desired angle relative to bucket carrier 20. This will permit the bucket attachment 16 to be used for angle dozing in which the bucket 18 is used in the manner of a dozer blade. Similarly, the operator may actuate switch 258 to terminate side dumping when the bucket reaches a desired side angle position with respect to the carrier 20. After the operator has manipulated control handle 170 to operate control valve 158 and direct hydraulic fluid into one of the conduits 174 or 176 for side-dumping, the detent mechanism 222 will releasably hold spool 172 in its operating position. After the ram 52 has pivoted bucket 18 to the desired position, the operator manipulates switch 258 which in turn energizes coil 250 to open solenoid valve 238. Air under pressure in chamber 234 will now act on plunger 228 for releasing the detent spring 230 and allowing spool 172 to return to its neutral position.

A modified form of the present invention is illustrated in FIGURE 11 in which a speed control valve 266 is provided in the control circuit. Upon initial operation of the ram 52 for side-dumping the heavy mass of the bucket and its contents would create shock forces if the full force of the fluid is directed into the ram. Also, as the bucket is dropping from the dump to the cradled position impact forces would arise when the bucket hits the carrier at a high speed. To prevent these objectionable forces, the speed control valve 266 is provided to restrict or limit fluid flow to and from the ram 52 when the bucket 18 is near its cradled position.

The valve 266 comprises a spool 268 slidable within a housing 270. A pair of spaced-apart transversely extending orifices 272 and a pair of spaced annular grooves 274 are provided on the spool 268. A spring 276 normally urges the spool 268 to an upper position in the housing whereby each of the grooves 27 permit free fluid communication between a respective pair of conduits 278 and 280 to effect right side-dumping and between conduits 282 and 284 for left side-dumping. A chamber 286 is provided at the upper end of housing 270 and is in series connection with air hose 288, normally closed solenoid valve 290 air hose 292, and the source of air pressure (not shown) through air hose 294. When valve 290 is opened, air pressure will be delivered to chamber 286 to urge spool 268 to the lower position in housing 270 as illustrated in FIGURE 11. This will position spool 268 so that each of the orifices 272 will restrict fluid flow between a respective pair of conduits 282, 284 and 278, 280.

Operation of solenoid valve 290 is responsive to the position of the bucket 18 with respect to the carrier 20, which position is sensed by means of control rod 296 which is rigidly attached at one end to the end of rod 58. A camming surface 298 having a predetermined length is provided at the free end of control rod 296 and is slidably mounted within a tube 300 which in turn is rigidly secured to the ram 52. A normally open limit switch 302 is secured to the tube 300. The camming surface 298 is in operating contact with the switch 302 and is positioned so that the switch is closed when the bucket is cradled on the carrier. With switch 302 closed, an electric circuit will be completed from ground through conductor 304, conductor 306, solenoid coil 308, conductor 310, conductor 248, switch 246, and the source of electric power 244.

As the ram 52 is operated so that the rod 58 is extended or retracted for side-dumping, the camming surface 298 will slide to the right or left, respectively, within the tube 300. The length of camming surface 298 is selected so that the switch 302 is actuated when the bucket is pivoted to a predetermined angular relationship with carrier 20. As an example, the camming surface 298 may be constructed so that the switch 302 will open after the pivot assembly 46 exceeds one foot in distance from carrier 20 during a right dumping operation, and when the pivot assembly 44 exceeds one foot in distance from carrier 20 during a left dumping operation. As the bucket returns toward the carrier after a dumping operation, the switch 302 will close when the pivot assemblies 44 and 46 again come within the one foot distance from the carrier.

In operation, assuming that the bucket is initially in its cradle position on the carrier, and that right side-dumping is desired, the operator will manipulate the valve 158 to direct fluid under pressure into conduit 278. Since in the cradled position the camming surface 298 closes the limit switch 302, solenoid valve 290 will be energized so that air pressure will operate the speed control valve 266 to its restricted position as shown in FIGURE 11. Fluid will flow from conduit 278 at a reduced rate through the orifice 272 into conduit 280. The actuating ram 148 will now operate in the manner previously described to move locking member to the right-lock position. Safety interlock valve 202 will now be cammed open so that fluid under pressure will be directed to the head end of ram 52 for a slow-speed extension of rod 58. As this occurs and the bucket star-ts to pivot to the right the camming surface 298 will move out of contact with switch 302, thus opening the electrical circuit and deenergizing valve 290 for terminating the air supply to valve 266. Valve 266 will now operate to permit full fluid flow from valve 158 into conduits 278 and 280, safety interlock valve 202, and ram 52 for a faster dumping action for the bucket 18.

After the material has been dumped from bucket 18, the operator will manipulate control valve 158 to direct fluid under pressure into conduit 282. At this time, the speed control valve 216 is in its upper position permitting full fluid flow into conduit 284. Fluid will now flow into interlock valve 202, which remains open, and the rod end of ram 52 for pivoting the bucket toward its cradled position at the fast speed. As the pivot assembly 46 nears the carrier 20, camming surface 298 will actuate limit switch 302 thus energizing valve 290 and operating speed control valve 266 to the restricted position for slow speed operation of ram 52. The operation of the speed control circuit for a left side-dumping operation is similar to that described above for the right side-dumping operation.

In view of the foregoing description, there has been provided herewith a new and improved front-loading, sidedumping bucket attachment for a construction vehicle. Through the arrangement of the invention, selective sidedumping is achieved by operation of the novel pivot assemblies and locking member under control of a hydraulic circuit providing safety interlock features and automatic or manual bucket positioning. Although the arrangement presented herein is at present considered to be preferred, it is to be understood that variations and modifications may be made therein and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A side-dumping bucket attachment for use with a loader vehicle having a movable boom, the attachment including the combination of: a bucket carrier mounted on the boom for pivotal movement about a transverse axis, a pair of transversely spaced-apart roller members mounted on the bucket; a pair of bearing members, each bearing member being mounted on a respective roller member for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis; and a locking member mounted on the carrier and movable between a first position locking each bearing member with the carrier, a second position locking a selective one of the bearing members with the carrier while releasing the other bearing member, and a third position locking the other bearing member with the carrier while releasing the one bearing member; and means to move the locking member between the first, second and third positions.

2. A side-dumping bucket attachment for use with a loader vehicle having a movable boom, the attachment including the combination of: a bucket; first and second transversely spaced-apart roller members mounted on the bucket, each roller member being aligned along a substantially longitudinal axis; first and second bearing members, each bearing member being mounted on a respective roller member for pivotal movement about the axis; a bracket secured to each bearing member, each bracket being provided with an aperture having its axis extending transversely; a locking member mounted on the carrier in alignment with theapertures and having two ends, the locking member being slidable between a first position wherein each end engages a respective aperture, a second position wherein one end is withdrawn from its respective aperture, and a third position wherein the other end is withdrawn from its respective aperture; and power means to move the locking'member between the first, second and third positions.

3. A hydraulic control system for use in a vehicle having a bucket pivotally mounted on a bucket carrier for side-dumping, hydraulic motor means to dump the bucket, a source of fluid under pressure, and a locking member movable between a first position preventing the bucket from dumping and at least one operating position releasing the bucket for side-dumping, the control system including the combination of: first valve means connecting the source of fluid with the motor means responsive 'to movement of the locking member to the operating position; hydraulic actuating means to move the locking member between the first position and the operating position; and second valve means to connect the actuating means with the source of fluid pressure responsive to a nondumping position of the bucket relative to the carrier, the second valve means further operating responsive to a side-dumping position of the bucket to hydraulically lock the actuating means to prevent movement of the locking member.

4. A hydraulic control system for use in a loader vehicle having a bucket mounted on a carrier for front loading and lateral dumping, a source of fluid under pressure, and a locking member movable between a first position locking the bucket with the carrier and a second position releasing the bucket for lateral dumping, the control system including the combination of: control valve means influid connection with the source of fluid; hydraulic mator means to laterally dump the bucket; hydraulic actuating means to move the locking member between the first and second positions; safety valve means to connect the actuating means with the control valve means in response to a nondumping position of the bucket, the safetyvalve means further operating to preclude discharge of fluid from the actuating means responsive to a dumping position of the bucket; and interlock valve means to connect the hydraulic motor means with the control valve means when the locking member is in the second position.

5. A hydraulic control system for use in a loader vehicle having a bucket mounted on a bucket carrier for front loading about a transverse axis and for side-dumping about a pair of transversely spaced-apart longitudinally extend-ing lateral axes and having a locking member movable between a first position preventing sidedumping of the bucket and second and third positions allowing side-dumping of the bucket about a respective lateral axis, the combination including: a source of fluid under pressure; hydraulic actuating means having first and second ports, the actuating means being operably connected with the locking member whereby fluid under pressure in the first or second ports will move the locking member to the respective second or third positions while exhausting fluid through the respective second or first ports; control means having first and second conduits connected with the respective first and second ports, the control means connecting the source of fluid pressure with a selected first or second conduit; hydraulic motor means having third and fourth ports, the motor, means being operably connected with the bucket whereby fluid under pressure in the third or fourth ports will dump the bucket about a respective longitudinal axis while exhausting fluid through the respective fourth or third port; other means to prevent fluid flow through the second port re-- sponsive to a side-dumping position of the bucket; and additional means operating responsive to the second and third positions of the locking member to fluidly connect the first conduit with the third port and the second conduit with the fourth port, the additional means further being responsive to the first position of the locking member to prevent fluid flow from the conduits to the hydraulic motor means.

6. A hydraulic control system for use in a loader vehicle having a bucket mounted on a bucket carrier for front loading about a transverse axis and for side-dumping about either of a pair of transversely spaced-apart longitudinally extending lateral axes, the combination including: a source of fluid under pressure; a locking member movable between a first position locking the bucket with the carrier to prevent side-dumping, a second position releasing the bucket to allow side-dumping about one lateral axis, and a third position releasing the bucket to allow side-dumping about the other lateral axis; hydraulic actuating means to move the locking member between the first, second and third positions; means to inactivate the actuating means responsive to a side-dumping position of the bucket; control valve means having a spool normally urged to a neutral position and selectively movable to first and second positions connecting the source of fluid with the actuating means to move the locking member to a respective second and third position; means to releasably hold the spool in the first and second positions; and other means to release the spool from the first and second positions responsive to the locking member being in the first position.

7. A hydraulic control system for use in a loader vehicle having a bucket mounted on a bucket carrier for front loading and for lateral dumping about at least one longitudinal axis and having a locking member movable between a first position locking the bucket with the carrier and a second position releasing the bucket for side dumping, the combination including: a source of fluid under pressure; hydraulic actuating means to move the locking member between the first and second positions; hydraulic motor means to dump the bucket about the longitudinal axis; control valve means having a spool normally urged to a neutral position and selectively movable to a first position connecting the source of fluid with the actuating means and hydraulic motor means to move the locking member to the second position and to dump the bucket about the lateral axis; detent means to releasably hold the spool in the first position and other means to selectively release the detent means to allow the spool to be urged to the neutral position.

8. A hydraulic control system as defined in claim 7 in which the other means includes: manually operated switch means; air operated means to release the detent means; a source of air under pressure; and, means connecting the source of air with the air operated means responsive to operation of the switch means.

9. A hydraulic control system for use in a loader vehicle having a bucket mounted on a bucket carrier for front loading and for lateral pivoting about at least one longitudinal axis, the combination including: hydraulic motor means to pivot the bucket between a neutral position in which the bucket is cradled with the carrier and an operating position in which the bucket is laterally pivoted about the axis; a source of fluid under pressure; hydraulic circuit means to selectively connect the source of fluid with the motor means; speed control valve means having a spool movable between a first position presenting a restriction in the circuit means to limit fluid flow therethrough and a second position allowing full fluid flow in the circuit; and other means sensing the lateral pivoting position of the bucket to actuate the spool to the first position responsive to pivoting of the bucket within a predetermined angle with respect to the carrier and to actuate the spool to the second position responsive to pivoting of the bucket beyond the predetermined angle.

10. In a hydraulic control system for use with a loader vehicle having a bucket mounted on a bucket carrier for front loading and for lateral dumping about at least one longitudinal axis, the combination including: hydraulic motor means operably connected with the bucket and having a piston movable between a neutral position in which the bucket is cradled with the carrier and an operating position in which the bucket is laterally dumped about the axis; a source of fluid under pressure; hydraulic circuit means to selectively connect the source of fluid with the motor means; valve means in the circuit means operable in a first condition to restrict fluid flow to the motor means and in a second condition to allow full fluid flow to the motor means; camming means mounted for movement with the piston to a first location in which the piston is within a predetermined distance from the neutral position and a second location in which the piston is beyond the predetermined distance from the neutral position; and switch means to actuate the valve means to the first condition responsive to movement of the camming surface to the first location and to the second condition responsive to movement of the camming surface to the second location.

11. A hydraulic control system for use in a loader vehicle having a bucket mounted on a bucket carrier for front loading and for lateral dumping about at least one longitudinal axis, the combination including: hydraulic power means to laterally pivot the bucket about the axis between a cradled position against the carrier and an operating position for lateral dumping; a source of fluid under pressure; hydraulic circuit means to selectively connect the source of fluid with the power means, the circuit means including a first conduit to direct fluid to the power means for lateral dumping and to return fluid therefrom for returning the bucket to its cradled position, and a second conduit to direct fluid to the power means for returning the bucket to its cradled position and to return fluid therefrom for lateral dumping; a valve having a spool movable between first and second positions, the spool having a pair of orifices with a restricted crosssectional area to limit fluid flow therethrough, each orifice being positioned in a respective conduit when the spool is in the first position, the spool further having a pair of passageways with a cross-sectional area larger than the area of the orifices, each passageway being positioned in a respective conduit when the spool is in the second position; and sensing means to move the spool to the first position responsive to the bucket being in the cradled position, the sensing means further operating to move the spool to the second position responsive to the bucket being in the operating position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,072,998 3/1937 Allin.

3,312,364 4/1967 Granryd 214-768 3,203,565 8/1965 Keskitalo 214768 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,380,823 10/ 1964 France.

1,385,672 12/1964 France.

HUGO O. SCHULZ, Primary Examiner. 

